Hildebold of Cologne

Hildebold of Cologne was bishop of Cologne from 787 and the first archbishop of the city from 795, when Pope Adrian I raised the see to archiepiscopal rank. He was a friend of Charlemagne: in 791 he was made archchaplain and chancellor of the imperial council, and at the emperor's request the pope released him from the obligation of residing in his see. He began an extension of Cologne Cathedral that was completed in 870.

In 805 he met Saint Ludger, the first bishop of Münster. He was the first witness to Charlemagne's testament of 811 and, with Richulf, presided over the synod of Mainz in 813. After the emperor's death in 814 he contributed to the building of his tomb at Aachen. He reposed on 3 September 818 and was buried in the abbey of Saint Gereon. His friendship with Charlemagne became legendary. He is a saint of the undivided Church, venerated in the West.

His commemoration falls on 3 September (new calendar); the Churches on the Old Calendar keep the same day of the Menaion on 16 September of the civil calendar.